The Stevens Pass ski area, seen here on Oct. 8, is waiting for more snow before opening up for the season. (Stevens Pass)

The Stevens Pass ski area, seen here on Oct. 8, is waiting for more snow before opening up for the season. (Stevens Pass)

It’s finally a go: Stevens Pass ski area set to open

After a two-week delay, the Daisy, Skyline Express and Brooks Express lifts open at 9 a.m. Wednesday

STEVENS PASS — Get ready to hit the slopes. After a two-week delay after a lack of snow, three of Stevens Pass ski area’s 10 lifts are scheduled to open Wednesday.

Starting at 9 a.m., the Daisy, Skyline Express and Brooks Express lifts will be running and the newly renovated Granite Peaks Lodge will be open for food and drinks.

The slopes will close at 4 p.m. Wednesday, but will stay open for night skiing until 10 p.m. the rest of the week.

As of Monday afternoon, the resort had 31 inches of snow, with more accumulating by the minute.

Almost two weeks ago, Stevens Pass had only about 8 inches of snow cover.

At 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, the resort will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Brooks Express lift. Vail Resorts, which bought the ski area for $67 million in 2018, upgraded the Daisy and Brooks trails chairlifts and loading terminals to speed up the path to beginner slopes this year.

The improvements increased the mountain’s capacity by 9% and should help guests move through lines faster, spokesperson Nicole Stull said.

Granite Peaks Lodge, formerly known as the T-Bar Lodge, has also seen some changes since last season.

The lower level that once had more grab-and-go items now operates like a cafe. It offers hot food items such as paninis and soups in addition to prepared to-go options.

Upstairs, the resort hired staff to clear tables and sort tray items into recycling and compost. The move is a part of Vail Resorts’ commitment to reaching a zero net operating footprint by 2030. That goal includes promises to eradicate emissions, prevent waste from reaching landfills and avoid effects on forests and habitat.

Wednesday’s opening day is on the later side for Stevens Pass. It typically falls between Thanksgiving and mid-December. In the past decade, it has opened as early as Nov. 16 and as late as Dec. 20.

Opening day is forecast at a chilly high of 31 degrees with snow falling in the evening.

Julia-Grace Sanders: 425-339-3439; jgsanders@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Edmonds Police Chief Loi Dawkins speaks after the city council approved her appointment on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds City Council confirms new police chief

Assistant Chief Loi Dawkins will begin in the role Aug. 1. She has more than 23 years of law enforcement experience, including three years in Edmonds.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

The Edmonds City Council discuss the levy during a city council meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds votes to place levy lid lift on the ballot

By a vote of 5-2, the council decided to put the $14.5 million property tax levy lid lift to voters in November.

A trash hauler from Republic Services. (Provided photo)
Growing Teamsters strike disrupts garbage pickup in Snohomish County

Republic Services said a temporary work stoppage is causing some customers in the county to experience “temporary service delays.”

Lily Lamoureux stacks Weebly Funko toys in preparation for Funko Friday at Funko Field in Everett on July 12, 2019.  Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Everett-based Funko ousts its CEO after 14 months

The company, known for its toy figures based on pop culture, named Michael Lunsford as its interim CEO.

‘Courageous’ teen dives into Silver Lake to rescue 11-year-old

Gauge Bryant, 13, brought the child to the surface. The 11-year-old is in stable but critical condition, authorities said.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Mukilteo in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
On second go, Mukilteo City Council votes against sales tax hike

A veto from Mayor Joe Marine forced the council to bring the potential 0.1% sales tax increase back for another vote Monday.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.